At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we understand the importance of diversity… human, animal, or otherwise. And it's an understanding that compels us to create a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment for our guests and team members.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s RISE scholarship program, generously provided by Battelle, offers internship experiences, with focuses from business to biology, for students interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers. Internships are awarded to students within underserved and underrepresented populations - including race/ethnicity, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged.
Ready to see this opportunity in action?
Meet Adanna.
Like many adults, Adanna Davis often visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as a child. “I always loved the Zoo and animals in general since I was a little girl,” she said. Once the time came to choose a career path, Adanna knew what she wanted…a career in animal care. After seeing information about the Zoo’s RISE scholarship on the news, she applied and was accepted into the paid internship program.
Adanna was assigned as an intern within the Zoo’s Animal Encounters Village, an immersive and ever-changing animal habitat designed to connect people and wildlife. She gained hands-on experience in the day-to-day care of each animal within a region and assisted with behind-the-scenes guest tours. Adanna also learned more about animal enrichment, a common practice at the Zoo that encourages the animal to use their natural instincts and behaviors…Including foraging for food, participating in training activities with keepers, and playing games that use instincts and skills they’d showcase in their natural wild setting. “This was something I didn’t know much about before my Zoo internship, and it was really fun learning about,” said Adanna. “I even learned enrichment tips and tricks that I was able to use with my animals at home, which was an unexpected added bonus!”
Experiencing life behind-the-scenes at the Zoo made Adanna more determined to continue on the career journey towards a career in animal care, and she graduated college with her degree in Biological Sciences in 2021. She now encourages others to follow their career dreams and to work hard. “Don’t give up.”
What advice does she have for someone thinking about applying for RISE? “Go for it!” Adanna said. “RISE is an amazing program full of so much knowledge presented in such a fun way. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t pass up.”
